I strive to align my outlook on life on Luke 12:13-34:
"Take care! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; for one's life does not consist in the abundance of possessions."
Then in talking to the rest of the crowd and the disciples, Jesus goes on to illustrate a parable about the rich man who wanted to build larger barns to store up his crops. But the message was "do not worry about your life, what you will eat, or about your body, what you will wear" .
"Instead, strive for his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well." Why does Jesus talk about the rich man, and then tell those in the crowd (most of whom probably do not have plenty and are just struggling to get by, we could probably imagine) not to even worry about the least of their possessions or needs? The speaker emphasized a point made early on in Jesus' words to be on guard against ALL kinds of greed. Perhaps greed is not just black and white. It can reveal itself in the richest of people and also among those who have very little. And what does Jesus command you to do if you catch yourself portraying any kind of greed regarding something in your life?
"Sell your possessions, and give alms (to the needy). Make purses for yourselves that do not wear out, and unfailing treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where you treasure is, there your heart will be also."
